The Polaris Big Boss ATV uses shaft drive instead of chain drive. Photo / Herald on Sunday
This six-wheeler isn't an early April Fool joke but a Polaris Big Boss ATV. Its equally brash predecessor didn't sell well here, the manufacturer says thanks to resistance to its chain drive which required frequent maintenance.
This latest variant uses shaft drive instead, designed to need less attention
and to transmit power more smoothly. That power is transferred from the 760cc twin-cylinder engine via a continuously variable auto transmission to all six wheels, which also feature six-wheel independent suspension with active descent control, all designed for good traction in tough conditions.
Polaris Australia and NZ MD Peter Alexander says "New Zealand farmers tend to tow more and carry more than others around the world," hence his decision to persist with the facelift Big Boss.
At $19,495 the radical-looking workhorse is not a big seller in NZ, though some markets appreciate it - it's the biggest- selling model in Scandinavia, according to Polaris.
